Astrologer Teri Parsley Starnes welcomes you to the Starsdance. I invite you to join me in contemplating the wonder of sky and Earth. Through following the Moon, the planets, and the wisdom of the seasons and signs, my goal is to offer a useful practice of mindfulness and intention for the thoughtful seeker. Shall we dance?

Follow the Moon: May 6, 2012 - May 12

Earth rumbles and soul grumbles—we are alive as the Earth is alive. Now we can directly experience the unfolding mysteries of our co-evolution! What are you noticing? The reverberations of the powerful Full Moon on May 5 [See last week’s column.] are still felt through the beginning of this week. The Full Moon phase of illumination and release lasts till May 9. Two weeks ago at the New Moon, a small seed was planted, consciously or unconsciously; the season of Taurus influenced our heart’s desires. I’ve been thinking of the Taurean qualities of stability, steadfastness, and grace as the unifying purpose of my New Moon intentions. What are you noticing about your own? What are the gifts you’ve received? What are the challenges you’ve experienced? It is time to make note of these things and learn from them.

Sunday May 6 begins with the Moon still in Scorpio, yet in a void-of-course status until 8:39 pm*. Void of course means that the Moon is just “hanging out” in a sign without making any major aspects to other planets until it enters the next sign. It might be harder to solidly accomplish much of anything this day or move forward in a direct way. Better to relax and let ourselves become aware of the currents around us and deep within. Even as we may be involved in projects and activities, it is good to allow for a more relaxed approach to those activities.

On May 7 and 8, while the Moon is in expansive and philosophical Sagittarius, we are more likely to be involved with exploration of values and beliefs. Have the events of the last two weeks impacted your truth?

May 9—Disseminating Moon: Sharing. As the face of the Moon empties of light, we begin to assign meaning to the lunar cycle. Part of this process is sharing what we have learned with others. This month, the disseminating phase begins with the Moon in Capricorn and ends with the Moon in Aquarius. Both of these signs belong to the universal portion of the zodiac—the signs that are concerned with humanity, culture, and collective values. We can now apply personal lessons and experiences of the lunar cycle to a larger whole.

May 9 the Moon comes into conjunction with Pluto giving the day a more intense tone. Things matter more to us. We might also feel a strong desire to act in a Capricorn way: to set boundaries or goals for the future; to put in place long-range plans; to investigate how to better establish ourselves professionally; or to confront authority in ourselves and others.

May 10 Mercury and Neptune are in an encouraging sextile aspect with each other. This transit favors inspired communication or insight. The heart awakens and we can give voice to those feelings.May 11 finds the Moon in Aquarius. We want to share the gifts and challenges of the Taurus New Moon with community. Be open to new ideas. Broadcast the fruits of possibility.

May 12—Last Quarter Moon: Evaluating. At the First Quarter phase of this lunar cycle we felt the tension between the signs, Taurus (Fixed Earth) and Leo (Fixed Fire). Now at the waning Last Quarter phase, the tension is between Taurus and Aquarius (Fixed Air). Fixed signs are sure of their point of view. They hold form and take a bit of convincing to change that form. Taurus really values the physical realm. Aquarius really values the realm of idea. When the world of ideas and the world of form get along, anything is possible. When they do not, we get entrenched in a one-sided viewpoint, barely achieving anything. So, the battle may be between some who value practicality over others who value possibility. Or between those who need freedom over those who expect reliability and responsibility. Aquarius shakes up Taurean complacency. Taurus gives Aquarius a foundation.

In the Last Quarter Phase we are really honing the lessons and extracting the essence of the wisdom of this lunar cycle. How can the urge for freedom and authenticity collaborate with the need for stability, steadfastness, and grace? How do you experience this tension in yourself and what do you do when you recognize it in your communities?

Pluto and Chiron. Also on May 12, Pluto, the god of transformation and the underworld, and Chiron, the shamanic teacher and wounded healer, come into the first of five sextile aspects that take between now and 2014. The number of these transits and the length of time over which they occur are significant. I think of them as an ongoing conversation between these two archetypes. Some valuable information is sure to be exchanged. One relevant theme may be Initiation. Pluto encourages transformation through going deep into our shadow. Chiron says that even though we may feel vulnerable or isolated, such experiences can move us toward becoming wise healers ourselves. Perhaps this ongoing aspect between these two planets will encourage you to take on an initiatory experience over the next two years.